Mixed bag from Ball as NBL season begins

LaMelo Ball has eyes for the hoop in his NBL debut for Illawarra Hawks against Brisbane Bullets. Credit: AAP

The world was watching as LaMelo Ball mania rose to fever pitch for the American teen star's NBL debut.

Ultimately, it became apparent that Ball, like his Illawarra Hawks team, is a work in progress as the Hawks lost 90-81 at home against the Brisbane Bullets in their season opener in Wollongong on Sunday.

Expected to be a top-five NBA draft pick next year, 18-year-old Ball had a mixed bag.

With his equally-famous father Lavar in the 3677 crowd, he finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and four steals - becoming the first player to have a double-double with five assists and no turnovers on debut, according to the NBL.

But he shot only six from 17 from the field.

He showcased the passing vision that will come to define him, but his attention to detail on defence was also inconsistent, often hunting steals and abandoning basic team principles.

Ball and veteran Hawks import guard, Aaron Brooks, combined to shoot just one from 13 from beyond the arc.

Earlier in the round South East Melbourne Phoenix captain Mitch Creek dominated the emotionally-draining "Throwdown" to finish with 28 points, 11 rebounds and three assists in the new club's 91-88 win over Melbourne United.

Despite outside shooting being a perceived weakness, Creek shot four from five from three-point range, including two late outside bombs to hold United at bay.

"This bloke can shoot," said Phoenix coach, Simon Mitchell. "I want him to shoot that. And I want him to be successful shooting it, and I think that's the next level for him. We want him to be in the NBA."

At the Cairns Convention Centre, despite trailing by 13 points in the third quarter, the Sydney Kings found a way to grind out an away 79-71 victory over the Taipans.

Star Kings recruit Casper Ware led the way with 23 points and five assists.

For the Taipans, Kouat Noi, flashed the talent that has many believing he will be the NBL Rookie of the Year. He finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds, displaying a feathery touch and ferocious activity.

Out West, the Perth Wildcats showed they are ready to defend their title.

Against United, a rickety first half defensive performance at RAC Arena was replaced in the second half by a grittier edge which has come to define their championship ethos.

"There was just a different focus coming out in that second half," said Wildcats star power forward, Nick Kay, who finished with 18 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists in a 94-93 win.

"It's just that grit and stuff that you lock down on."

United, pre-season favourites and winless after two games, now lick their wounds and travel to the States for their much-anticipated games against NBA competition.